An excellent gas heating system repairing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is defense versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most house owners can quickly contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief delay prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically true on more recent furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by an A/C professional is absolutely nothing else resolves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas dick near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The furnace installation Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical power, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace soon turns off, there are a few typical issues that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes best diagnosed by a heater service technician. This video offers in-depth coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that works on high capability all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that should be replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the concern is more than likely a hvac heating and cooling blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally caused by:.
- A very unclean filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Work Expert.
Some house owners pick the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair at a fair rate is to get price quotes from several of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair contractor with sensible rates.